Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Scholarship Fund Now Accepting Applications

Scholarships are awarded each year to local students in memory of Hinckley, NY teen Connor Lynskey through the Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties.
 
Graduating seniors from all local high schools in Herkimer and Oneida counties are encouraged to apply. Awards geared specifically toward graduates of Holland Patent Central School are also available. Applications are accepted through Monday, March 31, for the following scholarships:

• Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Academic Award for Holland Patent
• Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Academic Award for Oneida/Herkimer Counties
• Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Athletic/Character Award for Holland Patent
• Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Athletic/Character Award for Oneida/Herkimer Counties
• Joey R. Ventura Tradesman Award

To view eligibility and apply, visit foundationhoc.org/connor.
 
The scholarship fund was established in memory of Connor, a 2017 Holland Patent Central School District graduate and pre-med student whose life was tragically taken by a drunk driver on August 11, 2018. The scholarship fund aims to preserve his memory and help medical and high school students to advance their education.
 
Since the fund’s creation in 2018, more than $65,000 has been awarded to students enrolled in four-year institutions, as well as additional awards to students enrolled in the Upstate College of Medicine Early Assurance Program, with a focus on assisting students in the Rural Medical Doctor program, of which Connor was enrolled in prior to his passing. In 2022, the scholarship fund partnered with the Community Foundation to grant these awards in his memory.
 
“As a family, our goal is to keep Connor’s memory alive for years to come through these memorial awards,” said Connor’s uncle Don Lynskey. “The mission of ‘Connor’s Way’ is to financially assist students with values and characteristics like Connor’s through these scholarships. We are striving to raise the funds to establish long-term endowments at both the Community Foundation and at Upstate Medical University to continue these awards in perpetuity.”
 
The scholarship program is funded by the annual Connor’s Way 5-Mile Scenic Memorial Run/Walk in Hinckley, which follows the route that Connor frequently ran. The 8th annual run/walk will take place on Sunday, September 21. Registration details will be shared at connorsway.com.